Employees in Asia cite work pressure as ‘top burnout factor’

Work pressure in Asia is the biggest contributor to stress, with more than half (55%) of respondents to a survey in the region citing it as the top burnout factor, followed by poor leadership (39%) and job security (37%). This is according to a new report, 2023 Health on Demand Report, from Mercer Marsh Benefits, which also found that the protection gap is widening among low-paid workers, caregivers and women. Within the region, Hong Kong employees (55%) felt the most stressed, while Indonesia employees (26%) were least stressed. Over half (55%) of the respondents in Asia cited work pressures as their top burnout factor, followed by poor leadership (39%) and job security (37%). “While 71% of employees in Asia feel that their employers care about their health and well-being, only 64% say the benefits they receive meet their needs. HR and risk managers have to reassess the relevance and value of their benefits, and look for innovative ways to help their staff thrive and perform at their best,” said Mercer Marsh Benefits. Joan Collar, Asia and Pacific regional leader, Mercer Marsh Benefits said: “The Health on Demand report has uncovered significant gaps in the health and protection needs of our workforce in Asia. This is particularly true among groups such as low-paid workers, caregivers and women. Addressing healthcare inequality to reduce household out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure requires a multi-stakeholder approach in which employers play an important role. We urge employers to consider ‘Flipping the Benefits Pyramid’ – review the viability, applicability, accessibility of benefits across demographics and income levels, and evaluate how best to develop a more inclusive health and benefits strategy to support the whole workforce.” The pandemic continues to be the top concern for most employees in Asia. “The findings remind us that health risks remain top of mind for employees in this region. While companies now focus on the recovery of their business in a post-pandemic world, it is equally important to invest in the people risk aspects of their business, and not neglect the well-being of employees and their families. By offering comprehensive yet relevant benefits, employees will have the peace of mind to afford healthcare costs for themselves and their family, and still thrive at work and beyond,” said Collar. The survey also found that approximately 76% of employees in Asia are caregivers for their family or friends, and caregiving benefits like work flexibility, leave and time-off, as well as subsidised caregiving benefits are most valued. The report, however, reveals the protection gap among caregivers in the workforce, with 37% reporting that their medical expenses have caused financial hardship for them or their family, which is more than double that of non-caregivers (15%). The report has also brought to light the struggles faced by low-income employees or part-time workers in Asia, with almost half (49%) of them not given access to medical coverage through their employers. As a result, nearly one in three (31%) employees with below-median income are not confident that they can afford the necessary healthcare. Mercer Marsh Benefits said: “Given the cost-of-living crisis, and lack of national health care plans in some countries in Asia, it is necessary to educate early entrants to the workplace, also known as Gen Z workers, women and young parents around financial planning to support their healthcare expenses.”

Employees in Asia cite work pressure as ‘top burnout factor’

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